Thai-Style Barbecued Baby Back Ribs

FLAVOR STEP - MARINADE FOR RIBS: Mix all marinade ingredients together in a small bowl and blend well. Put the ribs into a zipper-lock bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the meat. Cover if necessary and refrigerate the meat overnight, turning occasionally.

BAKING THE RIBS: About 30 minutes before cooking, remove the ribs from the refrigerator. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Place a roasting pan half full of water in the bottom third of the oven.

Remove the ribs from the marinade and reserve the marinade. Shake off excess marinade and place the ribs on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Put the pan in the top third of the oven and roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour, basting the ribs from time to time with the reserved marinade. The ribs are done when they begin to pull away from the bone and the bone tips are exposed. The internal temperature of the thickest part should be 155 -165 degrees F.

After a 5-to-10-minute rest, cut the ribs into individual pieces.

FOR DIPPING SAUCE: Meanwhile, make the Thai Dipping Sauce, if desired. Combine the ingredients in a small bowl and stir until the sugar is dissolved.

ALTERNATE GRILLING METHOD: You can grill the ribs over medium-hot coals for 6 to 8 minutes total, turning them frequently to keep the sugar in the marinade from burning. Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting into individual pieces. Serve with sauce or as is.

Recipes from The Complete Meat Cookbook. Copyright © 1998 by Bruce Aidells and Dennis Kelly.